What an entertaining movie! We would dare to say Race to Witch Mountain will be one of the breakout hits of the young year. The story, plus the action-packed sequences and charming performances, all add up to a fun time with the children at the movies this weekend.

In this new re-imagining of Disney’s Escape to Witch Mountain (1975) and its sequel Return from Witch Mountain (1978), a UFO expert enlists the help of a cabbie (Dwayne Johnson) to protect two siblings (AnnaSophia Robb, Alexander Ludwig) with paranormal powers from the clutches of an organization that wants to use the kids for their nefarious plans.

Disney, known for its animation, surprisingly presents an amusing live-action sci-fi flick that provides escapism for today’s troubled times. The film immediately begins with a suspenseful, special effects driven scene that sets a swift pace for the rest of the film. Dwayne Johnson once again does a fantastic job of adding humorous and credible layers to his performance. This script fits him like a glove. The rest of the cast is appealing without being histrionic with the alien script.

Race to Witch Mountain feels like a Disney theme ride, extracting elements from E.T. and the Terminator while adding the Disney touch to make it viewable for kids and comfortable enough for parents to enjoy. There are some moments that are incoherent and random, but so what? It’s a Disney film with all the desirable bells and whistles, and it succeeds at being enjoyable experience for the whole family.